Reasons candidates get rejected after the HireVue with Etihad

 

 

 

Did you get rejected after the Hirevue with Etihad and wondering why?

 

Well below are some points why you got rejected::: 

 

---- CV formatting issues:: Unreadable by ATS/AI, tables, images, unusual fonts. 

 

---- Missing keywords:: Lacking key terms like ''customer service'' or ''aviation safety'' or ''teamwork''

 

--- Low AI match score:: Resume content doesn’t align with job description.

 

--- Underqualification:: Missing required experience or education. 

 

--- Duplicate application:: Applying multiple times can trigger an auto-rejection. 

 

--- Nationality or visa restrictions:: system filters based on eligibility to work in the UAE or fly internationally.

 

--- Poor lighting or video quality during Hirevue:: Unclear face, bad camera angle, or poor sound.

 

--- Unprofessional attire:: Not wearing business attire. 

 

--- No smile or warmth:: Lack of a friendly and approachable demeanor.  

 

--- Nervousness or monotone voice:: Showing low confidence or energy. AI detect this. 

 

--- Lack of eye contact:: Looking away from the camera frequently.

 

--- Poor communication skills:: Unclear speech, grammatical mistakes, or filler words : um, like etc. 

 

--- Not answering questions directly:: Vague or off-topic answers.

 

--- Negative body language:: Slouching, crossing arms or fidgeting.

 

--- Late submission:: Missing the Hirevue deadline.

 

--- Age: Etihad may use age as a screening factor. For example, candidates who are significantly older ex 50 years old, might be filtered out if they fall outside the typical preferred age range. 

 

--- Language proficiency:: Weak English or communication barriers.

 

--- Grooming standards:: Visible tattoos, piercings, or appearance not matching Etihad grooming policy.

 

--- Height or reach requirements:: Unable to meet physical requirements for cabin safety.

 

--- Customer service attitude:: Lacking empathy, patience or positivity.

 

--- Teamwork issues:: Appearing overly self-focused or not a team player.

 

--- Skin issues:: Having severe acne. AI can detect this. 

 

--- Social media screening:: Inappropriate posts or public behavior.

 

--- Cheating:: If a candidate cheats during the HireVue ex: by reading from a script, receiving outside help or using unauthorized tools, the AI system can detect such behavior through facial, eye, and voice pattern analysis. When detected, this typically results in an automatic rejection of the candidate.

Etihad Cabin Crew Recruitment Process 2025

 

Are you curious about what the Etihad cabin crew recruitment process looks like in 2025? (New system) Well, you are in luck, here is (almost) everything you need to know:::: 😊

 

 

 

 These are the requirements:::

 

 

 

You apply::::::: 

 

If shortlisted you get invited for a online Hirevue video assessment:::::

 

 

 

 

 

Examples of questions that they will ask you in the Hirevue are these:::::

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Some of the questions will require video responses, while others is without video.

You can re-record your answers as many times as you like.

It’s best to complete the HireVue assessment on a laptop. If the lighting in your room isn’t great, consider using a ring light to improve visibility.

You will also be asked 1000 other questions too, from your background, likes and dislikes, and personality traits, to flight-related challenges and situational scenarios.

Since August 2025, Etihad has been using an AI-based system for this assessment, so don’t even think about trying to cheat, the system is quite advanced. This new system is meant to make the process quicker. 

Once you have completed everything, that’s it! Keep in mind that not everyone who applies is shortlisted for the HireVue stage, I know several people who were rejected before reaching this step. I believe it mostly due to CV mistakes. 

After finishing the assessment, you will receive an email titled ''Candidate Feedback Report'' Everyone who completes the process gets this email.

 

 

 

 

 

The feedback highlights your individual strengths based on your assessment performance, and everyone receives unique results. 

 

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
 

 When completing a HireVue or AI-based assessment, every detail is evaluated. To boost your AI score, here are a few tips to keep in mind::::

 

Remember:::: Doing all of these will help you get a higher AI score. However, the final shortlisting is still done by the recruiter, who decides whether to move you forward or not. Sometimes, even when we follow every textbook guideline perfectly, we can still face rejection due to HR decisions:::::::::::::::::::: 

 

 

----- Choose a quiet, well-lit room. Ensure your face is clearly visible. Natural light works best, avoid backlighting.

 

----- Minimize filler words. Avoid ''um'' ''like'' or ''you know'' Keep answers concise, ideally 60–90 seconds, and don’t ramble.

 

----- Maintain eye contact with the camera, not your screen, to appear engaged. Looking up/ down/ sideways too much is regarded as cheating, and might get you rejected and get a lower score. 

 

----- Smile naturally. Warm, approachable expressions score higher. The AI tracks facial cues.

 

----- Speak clearly and at a moderate pace. Friendly, calm tone is ideal. Avoid rushing or speaking too slowly.

 

----- Use natural hand gestures. Subtle movements show confidence without being distracting. Don’t move your hands/ shoulders too much. Constant body movement indicates nervousness and unpreparedness. Keep your body in a calm and composed state

 

----- Be authentic. Over-rehearsed or robotic answers can be detected by AI.

 

----- Structure answers with STAR: Situation, Task, Action, Result ensures clarity and impact.

 

----- Use professional, clear, and polite language. Avoid slang or overly casual expressions.

 

----- Highlight key traits. Emphasize teamwork, service orientation, adaptability, problem-solving, cultural awareness, and communication. Phrase examples like: ''I collaborated with...'' or ''I adapted by...'' etc. 

 

----- Use action verbs. Words like: implemented, led, resolved, improved etc strengthen your impact.

 

----- Mirror job description language subtly. Keywords in your responses may align with AI scoring criteria. The algorithm then checks how many words from the job description you have included in your response. 

 

------ Dress professionally. Even subtle cues influence perception.

 

----- Focus on both delivery and content. Strong stories can be undermined by poor video, audio, or monotone delivery.

 

The AI algorithm evaluates 2 major aspects of your response:

 

---Verbal: Your speech, words, tone, pronunciation, voice, pauses, etc.

 

---Nonverbal: Body language, eye, lip and hand movements

 

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

 

 

After this, your application status will remain: ''Assessment in progress''' until you receive the next email:::

 

 

  

 

If you get lucky, you will get shortlisted further::::

 

Once a slot will be open for you, you will get an email:::

 

 

 

 

 

Above you can read more about the assessment. Either you will do a virtual assessment or a in-person assessment in a city near you. 

 

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::

 

A resume sample that I think is great is for example this link below::

 

Resume: 

 

 

 

 

Your resume should be short and to the point, 1-2 pages max. Remove any unnecessary details and keep only the information that is relevant. Also make sure to add action words in your CV. 

 

:::::

During the virtual or in-person assessment, candidates will be shortlisted. Those who make it to the final stage will then be required to take an English test. Once you pass the test and HR determines that you are the right fit, you will move forward in the process. 

 

About the dress code in photos and for the assessment etc::::

 

 

 

Regarding male candidates, you don’t need to be clean-shaven for Etihad. The image shown is for Emirates. Etihad allows a neatly trimmed and well-groomed beard. 

 

:::::::::::::: 

 

About Etihads max age: When it comes to Etihad, they are incredibly welcoming to candidates in their 30s and 40s. I personally know people aged 42 and 45 who were invited to assessments, and even someone who joined Etihad at 43!! So if you are in your 40s and wondering whether you should apply or not.....10000% go for it 😊

 

::::::::::::::::

 

Scars: When it comes to scars and marks, Etihad is not as strict as Qatar or Emirates. As long as they are not too deep or highly visible, you will be fine. We are all human, and it is completely normal to have a few scars or marks

 

:::::::::::::::::::: 

 

Tattoos:

 

It is completely fine to have tattoos, as long as they are not visible while in uniform. For example, above is a diagram showing the approved areas::: the gray areas are permitted, while the white areas are not. 

 

::::::::::::::::::